Blog: S K A T T E R B R A I N

They Shoot Horses Don't They? is a peculiar group. In fact, last time I posted about them, most of you found them to be a bit too peculiar. But I'm here to tell you, they're so much more than what some of you may think. Boo Hoo Hoo Boo , their new album due out in February on Kill Rock Stars , is full out outrageous group vocals, crazy circus-pop melodies, and more swirling horn creshendos than you could shake a stick at. Take a listen to these new songs and [...]

Chris did a little post on this guy a little while back and I really liked it and planned to do a small post as well. But, as per the holidays and such it got pushed into the back of my head. Well I got an email yesterday from Mr. McKean himself that obviously jogged my memory, so here it is. Finian McKean was a member of the late 90's indie band The Push Kings, whom until now, [...]

Following the holidays, Animal Collective have planned a rather lengthy jaunt across most of the States. Even if you don't like them, you should just go to see the masks. I however, love them, but the masks is a plus. MORE DATES FORTHCOMING February 21st - Boston @ Paradise 18+ February 22nd - Montreal @ La Sala Rossa all ages February 23rd - Toronto @ Lee's Palace [...]

Watch This: [VIDEO]: Hope of the States :: The Red The White The Black The Blue www.thehalfwayhome.com

An overwhelming trend here lately has been "Wintery" bands, incase you haven't noticed. Well in the spirit of it STILL being freezing outside( i even slid on some ice coming into work) here's yet another band that i find to be synonomous with Winter. The Vells make dusty psychedelic pop that can be equally haunting and uplifting from one song to the next. They manage to make their lo-fi sound overly lush and full of depth both musically and lyrically. Singer Tristan Marcum is [...]

Merry Christmas from SKATTERBRAIN! Enjoy! [MP3]: 1. Little Drum Machine Boy :: Beck 2. O Come, O Come Emanuel :: Belle and Sebastian 3. Just Like Christmas :: Low 4. I Heard the Bells on Christmas [...]

Ever notice how the weather can determine how particular music will affect you? Well "Winter" music is my favorite, I broke out Funeral a few weeks ago and it's now in heavy, heavy rotation. There's just something about that album that just screams "snow! freezing temperatures! darkness!" Well, this Winter I've been enjoying music with a lot of atmosphere and beauty (See previous post on Jeniferever ) and Samara Lubelski couldn't fit into that category more perfectly. Samara makes music for lonely winter days, psychedelic infused folk pop oozing with beautiful melodies [...]

What do you get when you take Cat Power, Bjork, Low and Mogwai and throw them in a blender? You get a bloody mess, of course. But, if the this was in fact a metaphorical blender, than i think you would get a nice Jeniferever smoothie. Gosh. That was really lame. Listen to these songs though and it makes perfect sense, i swear. [MP3]: From the ep, Iris [...]

Tis the season for giving and boy does Suburban Sprawl Music totally understand this concept! Every year since 2003 they have released free holiday compilations featuring brand new holiday songs from bands on the label and all around Chicago. This year's compilation(as well as all the other years) is available for free download HERE . Yay for Christmas! I haven't made it through all [...]

EXAMS ARE OVER! HURRAY! Today I celebrated by doing, well, nothing at all except watching Christmas movies. I'm a big Christmas junkie if you hadn't already figured that out. But when I did manage to get up and do something productive I found my way to a song by a band called Ester Drang . Ester Drang is a four piece from Oklahoma that recently signed to Jade Tree Records . The will be releasing their 3rd [...]

Wow! This has been a great day for Christmas Songs! The Walkmen have jumped on the bandwagon and recorded a few sweet Christmas jams as well. Their 7" Christmas Party has 3 songs: "Christmas Party," "Fly Into the Mystery" and "Eggnog." "Christmas Party is an awesome song that goes between talking and actual song taking place as one reflects upon a swingin Christmas Party. Enjoy! [MP3]: The Walkmen :: Christmas Party You can buy the single [...]

Everyone's favorite purveyors of cartoon animals, The Boy Least Likely To, have posted a Christmas song on their wesite called "Little Donkey." Nothing too special about the song, except for some of that trademark BLLT recorder sound. It basically tells the Christmas story through what it was like for the donkey involved. Cute right? Yep. But this was just part one of their Christmas gifts to fans. They also made a pin the tail on the donkey game to coincide with the song that you can play on [...]

Indie pop doesnt seem like it should be that hard to do yet there are so few bands out there that have it down perfect. So when i stumbled upon one that A.) I've never heard of before and B.) seems to know exactly how to make perfect indie pop, I was overly excited. Secret Dakota Ring is that band. Take notice because music like this doesn't come around all the time. Secret Dakota Ring is, for the most part, the solo project of Brooklyn, [...]

A few random things for today: A Silver Mt. Zion live recording A Silver Mt. Zion :: La Salla Rossa (Montreal June 16, 2005) (Follow Link) Setlist: Take These Hands and Throw Them in the River American Motor Over Smoldered Field Mountains Made of Steam On Silver Mt. Zion (movie never made) God Bless Our Dead Marines [...]

Sorry kids. Ive either been studying for or taking exams for the past two days. I have exams until thursday, so sorry in advance for the lack of posts/quality of posts. But, this has been making my studying extremely enjoyable. I can't have winter without this. [MP3]: Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers :: Winter Wonderland/Sleigh Ride Honestly, if you haven't heard that you should listen to it. If it doesn't get you in the Christmas spirit, I [...]

If you've already heard this song before than you know how incredible it is. However, if you're like me and have never heard this song(let alone this band), you're in for a treat. I like being suprised by music and that's exactly what this song did for me, so in the interest of that belief I'm going to tell you close to nothing about this song except that this band has a way of making me believe every word they say. That, and they FULLY understand the concept of creshendo. [...]

It seems everyone's favorite jolly maritime musicians have grown up and gotten a bit too big for their Kill Rock Stars hot pants . Typically(i.e., Modest Mouse to Epic) I'd be worried but I have a decent amount of respect for Capitol Records. I mean, Radiohead have done some more-than-great things over there. What does this all mean though? Well, in short, it is likely that The Decemberists will get a considerable amount of MTV airplay as well as much more radio airtime as well. And, just to put a [...]

Here is a music video of Arcade Fire's "Rebellion(Lies)" as performed by various residents of 5th and 6th floor Kwak, University of British Columbia. It was editted by Mica Prazak, who also stars in the video. There is something about this video that makes me want to never stop watching it. I dont what it is, but regardless, it's highly ammusing. WATCH IT HERE! Thanks to who posted this at Us Kids Know [...]

This song was sent to me tonight and now today is pretty much the best day ever. Mogwai have never dissapointed and it looks like theyre still on a winning streak if the rest of the new album sounds this good. [MP3]: Mogwai :: Travel is Dangerous First of all, the song is amazing. It features great vocals by Stuart(I'm assuming) which I havent really taken the time yet to make out. This song is a [...]

Cassettes Won't Listen I dont know too much about Cassettes Won't Listen but I was in love witht his song the first time I heard it. So if you haven't heard it yet I highly recommend giving it a listen. [MP3]: Cassettes Won't Listen :: Cutting Balloons The Sunshine Underground [...]